Netflix Plans $400 Million Investment in Canadian Originals

The Minister of Canadian Heritage and Netflix have signed an agreement that creates Netflix Canada, a first-of-its-kind production company for Netflix outside of the U.S.

The company will invest a minimum of C$500 million ($400 million) in original productions in Canada over the next five years. As part of this investment, Netflix will continue to work with Canadian producers, production houses, broadcasters, creators and other partners to produce original Canadian content in both English and French. The deal also supports Canadian French-language content on the Netflix platform. Centered on a C$25 million investment, this strategy will include “pitch days” for producers, recruitment events and other promotional and market development activities.

Mélanie Joly, the Minister of Canadian Heritage, said: “The Government of Canada is committed to growing our creative industries with new investments that create opportunities for creators and producers across the country to make great content that stands out. This agreement—the first of its kind in the world—will ensure the investment of more than C$500 million in original production in Canada in both official languages. It signals a meaningful partnership in supporting Canadian creators, producers and Canadian creative work, and in bringing that work to millions of viewers around the world.”

Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief content officer, added: “Fans around the world are already falling in love with Netflix originals produced in Canada. Today’s announcement affirms there’s more to come as Netflix launches Netflix Canada, our permanent production presence in Canada. We look forward to continuing our work with Canadian talent, producers, broadcasters and other local partners to create Netflix originals in Canada for many years to come.”